PSYCHOMOTOR AND COGNITIVE PERFORMANCE IN NONAPNEIC SNORERS - PRELIMINARY FINDINGS

Snoring is a common phenomenon and a primary symptom in obstructive sl eep apnea syndrome, a sleep-related breathing disorder in which neurop sychological function is reported to be impaired. The first purpose of the present study was to compare cognitive and motor function in 25 h eavy nonapneic snorers and 26 sleep apneics. As the basis for impairme nts in heavy nonapneic snorers is still unclear, the influence of nigh ttime breathing disturbances and morning alertness, respectively, on d aytime performance was evaluated too. Nonapneic snorers exhibit more s low wave sleep and tend to have fewer changes in sleep stage than slee p apnea patients, but values for other sleep variables are similar. Sn orers also show comparable alertness. Deficits in immediate visual mem ory and in visuospatial reasoning are not found. However, there are so me indications that snorers show decreased manual dexterity and eye-ha nd coordination for the nonpreferred hand and that they have deficits in focused attention. In addition, snorers may show difficulties in fi nger-tapping speed. These performance measures tend to be associated w ith reduced morning alertness, except for the score on focused attenti on which has a tendency to be related to the nocturnal breathing distu rbances.